Latest contract would bump career earnings to $261M

Big Ben has scored another big contract. It could make him the Quarter-Billion Dollar Man.

The Pittsburgh Steelers confirmed Wednesday that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has agreed to a two-year contract extension, that kicks in after this season.

ESPN reported the new contract is worth $68 million, and includes a $37.5-million signing bonus and a $30-million injury guarantee. The 37-year-old is set to earn $12 million this year, his 16th in the NFL, all with the Steelers.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection (but, surprisingly, never an all-pro), Roethlisberger has thrown 59 interceptions over the past four seasons, but in that span he has thrown for 112 touchdowns and averaged 306 yards per start – still top-shelf production.

In a statement released by the Steelers, Roethlisberger said: “I am grateful to the (club-owning) Rooneys and the Steelers organization for continuing to believe in me. It has always been a goal to play my entire career in Pittsburgh — They will get my absolute best.”

According to Roethlisberger’s contract history posted at Spotrac.com, Big Ben will have earned more than a quarter-billion dollars if he plays through the new contract, by the end of 2021: $260.6 million. His previous contracts: $22.26 million over six years (2004-09); $87.9 million over six years (2010-15); and $87.4 million over four years (2016-19).

NO CHARGES AGAINST HILL

Authorities in Johnson County, Kan., announced Wednesday that no charges will be filed against either Kansas City WR Tyreek Hill or Crystal Espinal, parents of a three-year-old boy that police investigators say was injured in separate incidents in March.

According to reports, prosecutor Stephen Howe told a news conference that “we believe a crime has occurred” but evidence doesn’t “conclusively establish” who might have committed the alleged crime.

The case is now closed. But an investigation into the child’s future safety and residence continues, reports said.

Police had been called to the couple’s home twice last month, according to reports.

The fact Hill was not charged does not prevent the NFL from punishing the two-time all-pro receiver, for violating the league’s conduct policy — as Dallas RB Ezekiel Elliott discovered two years ago, following a couple of incidents involving alleged violence against, or harassment of, women.

COUGHLIN WARNED

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the NFL has sent a letter to Jacksonville Jaguars football czar Tom Coughlin, warning him to avoid any future comments or statements that oppose the league’s and NFLPA’s collectively bargained policy of voluntary workouts and practices before June’s mandatory mini-camp. Coughlin was informed he could be fined or the club could forfeit May/June practice days if he fails to comply.

ON STAFFORD

QB Matthew Stafford returned to Detroit Lions workouts first thing Monday morning, even though his wife Kelly returned home only on the weekend, after undergoing 12 hours of surgery last week to remove a brain tumour. The Lions had told Stafford to take as much time as he needed to be home this off-season.

TUCKER EXTENDED

Extending the contract of the most accurate placekicker in NFL history was a no-brainer for the Baltimore Ravens. The club announced it has rewarded three-time all-pro Justin Tucker with a four-year extension, from 2020-23. NFL Network said Tucker is due to earn $23.05 million over the next five seasons.

He’s worth it. He has made 90.1% of his career field-goal attempts (237 of 263). Over seven seasons, that’s rather remarkable.

HARRIS TRADE?

Chris Harris Jr., one of the NFL’s top slot corners this decade, reportedly has told the team he wants a new contract that averages $15 million per season, or a trade. Harris took to Twitter on Wednesday to try to lay to rest speculation he is still bothered by a leg injury that sidelined him late last year.

“Please stop saying I’m injured. I heeled (sic) from a broken leg (after) three weeks. Played in Pro Bowl, had three picks that week. I’m ready (to) roll … Healed*.”

Additional teams that picked up the fifth-year options on 2016 first-round draft picks include: Dallas with Elliott, Atlanta with S Keanu Neal, San Francisco with DL DeForest Buckner and Cincinnati with CB William Jackson.

RETIRING RUNNERS

Marshawn Lynch is going from Beastmode to rocking-chair mode. One of the league’s most breathtaking running backs this decade has reportedly retired for a second time, opting not to return to the Oakland Raiders or any other team. He had temporarily retired as a Seattle Seahawk following the 2015 season.

Also, just as RB Jonathan Stewart retired from the NFL this week after signing a one-day contract with his old team the Carolina Panthers, so RB Chris Johnson on Wednesday retired as a Tennessee Titan.

EXTRA POINTS

The Ravens confirmed that free-agent DE Ezekiel Ansah visited Wednesday … Tom Brady topped NFL merchandise sale for the second consecutive year. Apparently, people like winners or something … DE Brian Robison announced his retirement from the NFL after signing a one-day contract with Minnesota, his club of 11 years.

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